((((((((((((((((hangingon)))))))))))))))))))

My PTSD symptoms definitely got a lot worse when we started dealing with trauma stuff in therapy. I didn't have nightmares, but I had flashbacks (lots) and panic attacks.

Yes, it has gotten SO MUCH BETTER. Everyone's therapy is different, but for me, I had to deal with the trauma stuff in little bits and pieces....talk about it some, back off some, talk about it some, back off some. So, we were really only talking about the super hard trauma stuff every few sessions (if that). Finally we worked up to a few VERY INTENSE SESSIONS (this was nearly a year into therapy) where I finally not only talked about the trauma, but really FELT the feelings that were attached to it. I basically went back there with T. That seemed to be a turning point, and the flashbacks (about this trauma) really don't happen anymore. It took time and work, but it was truly, honestly worth it to be able to finally be free.

Now we are working on new stuff - childhood stuff - and it is harder, but also easier, because I have experienced the light at the end of the tunnel with the other stuff, and I hope I can get there with this stuff too....

You are so brave to be talking about these scary things in therapy. Do what you can. If you can't do it every session, don't. It's not a race to the finish line....just do what you can.

I also started taking a small dose of klonopin last October, and that helped A LOT with the panic attacks. I think I've only had one since I started taking it...and lowering the panic level enabled me to really work through things in therapy without totally losing my grounding in my everyday life.

(((((((((((((((((((hangingon)))))))))))))))))))))) I hope you and T can talk about ways to make your time outside of session easier, and your sleep more peaceful.

Many to you!